why can't you click on map object? on the toolbar it should say filters, clickthat.
under filters, click map
under map, click map object
a window will appear, click the drop down bar, under the words "General Options, Map to:" click it and select "sphere"
now turn transparency on, and click the tab at the top that says orientation, and rotate it arond the y axis until you find a good angle.
EDIT: and wow i just saw bork's post on the last page. wow, what a douche.